Ya, I Run Marathons

Technically I can say that now that I have run two marathons.  Although I don't know if I can say "run" when my pace was about 10:10??!!  Slooowwww, but it still such a great experience.

I've been planning on running the Timp Trail half for quite awhile, but a marathon wasn't on my radar for this summer.  But about a month ago, my friend unexpectedly got pregnant and was unable to use her spot in the Utah Valley Marathon and asked me if I'd buy it.  So without much thinking I said, "Sure!", not having ran on a road for months.  So I did my trail half and then started to hit the roads.  Somedays I felt great and other days I couldn't go more than a few steps because my hip has been bothering me.  I think things didn't settle correctly after having my kiddos.  But I did manage to get an 18 miler in.

So I didn't have any expectations going in other than to finish and hopefully run without my hip pain.  And that's exactly what I got.  The day was beautiful, the morning was cool with blue skies, green mountains with white caps, and the river was running fast and deep.  It was perfect.  I nursed my hip all week and started healthy.  I think it was Divine intervention because it didn't bother me the entire race.  I felt good and happy the entire time.  I didn't have much motivation to run fast (maybe because I didn't use caffeine till the last 6 miles???), so I just relaxed and enjoyed it.  I never hit a wall or ever lost it mentally.  Sure my legs got tight, but no pain.  Plus I got to hang out with my SIL Lisa most of the run and even ran into a good friend that I haven't seen since high school.  That sure helped the time fly by!

This was such a different experience from my first marathon.  There were so many unknowns and fears with the first.  It was hard and painful and challenged me so much physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Not that this time was easy, but I had more confidence because I've done it before and because I hadn't trained appropriately, I didn't push it.   The course was a lot harder I thought this time, but far more enjoyable and the climbs were a good diversion for my downhill muscles.  

All in all it was a great experience and a fun challenge.  I loved the course, although it's not a super fast course.  But I'd highly recommend this marathon.  Plus they handed out otter pops at mile 23 which was heaven!

This is the data that my garmin recorded which is kind of fun to look at.  I guess I lost 3 minutes during the 5 times that I had to pee.  And the course has over 1300 ft. of climbing which is significant I think.

Me and Lisa.  Those creamies hit the spot at the end.

Lisa, Ray, Angela and me.  All the crew.

Ben chased me on a scooter for the last 4 miles which was a lot of fun and great motivation

Coming in the last block.


Until the next race...who knows when.  I'm planning enjoying the rest of the summer on my bike and playing with my kids:)